PCV valve upgrade
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
PCV valve upgrade
I'm tired of cleaning/replacing my PCV every other oil change.
The thing just keeps getting stuck restricting flow or vice versa.
I took the thing apart and saw no signs why it would get stuck. By the way, it's all plastic inside/outside except for the spring.
I'm thinking it gets hot back there and the plastic plunger expands causing it to drag in the channel.
Well I was working on my neighbors 97 Camry and saw his PCV. Noticed it was metal.
He has 130k and looked like it was still original. Took it off and lo and behold...the thing still works!
Went to the Dealer and here's what I did:
The thing just keeps getting stuck restricting flow or vice versa.
I took the thing apart and saw no signs why it would get stuck. By the way, it's all plastic inside/outside except for the spring.
I'm thinking it gets hot back there and the plastic plunger expands causing it to drag in the channel.
Well I was working on my neighbors 97 Camry and saw his PCV. Noticed it was metal.
He has 130k and looked like it was still original. Took it off and lo and behold...the thing still works!
Went to the Dealer and here's what I did:
#3
Moderator
Good idea. I think Ron (Lexmex) mentioned that the PCV valve has been revised (we will wait till he responds as it could be some other 90degree tube part).
Out of curiosity, I see lots of white specs over tubing and block. Did it happen after you switch to non-sealed battery ... from battery fumes?
Salim
Out of curiosity, I see lots of white specs over tubing and block. Did it happen after you switch to non-sealed battery ... from battery fumes?
Salim
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Those white specs are actually salt residue from the past winter.
Too lazy to wash it down. Maybe this weekend.
Yeah midwest sucks here especially when they put down tons of salt on the roads even if it's not snowing. Then it rains instead and everything gets kicked up in the engine bay.
nice, but couldn't you just have had it replaced every other oil change? since they are only like 9 bucks? that what my oil change place charged me to change it.
Now with this...I don't have to worry about it for a while. I will still check it's condition though every now and then.
#5
Oil Burner?
Is your RX a oil burner? I just changed the PCV in my 112K 1999 RX for the first time in ten+ years. It was clean and still working. I've never added a quart until the valve covers started leaking on the garage floor last year. And, that was the first quart added ever. I change oil between 7,000 to 8k miles. I just tightened the covers and the leak stopped.
Jerry
Jerry
#6
My 2001 has a metal one that screws in. Looks very similar to our 2005 Camry. I have 118,000 on the RX and it's still clean and rattles.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think they went to the metal PCV in 2001. Our neighbor has a 2000 and it's plastic.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think they went to the metal PCV in 2001. Our neighbor has a 2000 and it's plastic.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Nah...just stopped rattling. I really think it's the heat generated back there that's causing it. Well in my case. Don't know about others.
Did some searching and indeed, they switched to a metal type scew on 2001 model with Jan. 01 production date and up.
So from 99-12/00 is plastic.
1/01 - 2003 model RX300 is a metal screw.
blueridge My 2001 has a metal one that screws in. Looks very similar to our 2005 Camry. I have 118,000 on the RX and it's still clean and rattles.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think they went to the metal PCV in 2001. Our neighbor has a 2000 and it's plastic
I'm not 100% sure, but I think they went to the metal PCV in 2001. Our neighbor has a 2000 and it's plastic
So from 99-12/00 is plastic.
1/01 - 2003 model RX300 is a metal screw.
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#8
Super Moderator
I bought one of those Camry ones about a year ago and experimented with it for awhile, but then just ended hollowing out my plastic one and doing that modification I told you about the other day.
There was never any revision to the plastic version, it just went straight over to metal and was adjusted to a 45 degree angle.
I'm so glad I hollowed my PCV out, vehicle seems to run much smoother now with that setup I have.
There was never any revision to the plastic version, it just went straight over to metal and was adjusted to a 45 degree angle.
I'm so glad I hollowed my PCV out, vehicle seems to run much smoother now with that setup I have.
#10
Super Moderator
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCV_valve
To make a long story short, there are some gases that build up as a byproduct of combustion, they get into the crankcase and they need to be vented in order to avoid pressure from building up. However, oil residue and other things can impede the function of the PCV valve over time and it needs replacement and/or cleaning every so often. The gases get vented from the PCV valve via a hose back into the intake chamber to be burned in the combustion. That latter part is for emissions reasons, but in the old days there used to be a long hose that would go near the ground to vent the gases.
It's more important as the vehicle gets older because the cylinder walls and piston rings show wear and thus more gases can get by and thus need to be vented.
It's a cheap thing to replace for your highlander you will have the metal version of the PCV valve (not the plastic one shown earlier).
#13
Re: Where is the PCV valve?
Almost the opposite side of the engine compartment. Toward the rear of the engine compartment, and part-way between passenger-side and middle.
#14